New Schools Network welcomes the Education Secretary’s announcement today regarding the EBacc and can confirm that there is no conflict between the EBacc and creative subjects like Art, Music and Drama. Our research has established that some of the most successful secondary schools in England are those that combine high expectations in a core of academic subjects with a strong focus on the arts.

Justine Greening announced today that the total schools budget will increase by £1.3 billion over the next two years, meaning per pupil funding will be protected in real terms, not just cash terms.

The money to pay for this will come from efficiencies and savings from across the Department for Education, rather than increased borrowing, and that means finding some savings from within the free schools capital budget. However, the good news is that there will be no reduction in the actual number of free schools already planned for.

“I welcome today’s judgement. All the research shows that the more time children spend in school, the better they do. Indeed, one of the reasons free schools get better results than any other type of school in Key Stage 1 is because so many of them have longer school days."

NSN calls on PAC to recognise success of free schools in popularity, performance and cost effectiveness

As the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) convenes to take evidence on schools capital funding, the New Schools Network asks committee members to recognise the success of the free schools policy to date. Free schools are the most cost effective way of creating new school places, they’re popular with parents and are among the highest-performing schools in the country.